Gaming apparatus and systems

ABSTRACT

A gaming apparatus includes a display module for displaying play of a main game having one or more default play parameters is capable of being triggered. A trigger means implemented by the apparatus triggers the feature game in response to a trigger occurring during play of the main game. A purchasing means is operable to allow the player to purchase a modifier using an instrument of value after the feature game has been triggered. A modifier means modifies at least one default parameter of the feature game associated with the purchased modifier prior to play thereof, whereby the modification has the effect of improving a prize award potential for the feature game.

The present application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/451,199, filed Feb. 4, 2010, and claims priority therefrom, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The present application also claims priority from Australian Patent Application No. 2007902310 filed May 2, 2007 and Australian Patent Application No. 2011253887 filed Dec. 8, 2011.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to gaming apparatus and systems. It relates for example to electronic gaming machines and to networked gaming systems. It relates for example to Intranet and/or Internet-based gaming systems.

BACKGROUND

Gaming machines have been a popular form of entertainment for many years. This popularity has been enhanced with the advent of electronic gaming machines and also computer-based gaming systems, such as are provided over the Internet.

Many different types of game are playable. They include for example standard slot-machine type games, with spinning reels, and casino-type games. They include games such as poker, keno, bingo, blackjack, roulette, pachinko, Sic Bo and many others.

A user will typically place a bet, press a button or pull a lever to begin a game, and will win or lose based upon for example mechanical reel stops and/or a gaming machine's play algorithms and random number generators.

An aim of the present invention is to provide gaming apparatus and systems having novel features that may enhance gameplay.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect there is provided a gaming apparatus including:

-   -   a display module for displaying play of a main game in which a         feature game is capable of being triggered;     -   a trigger means for triggering the feature game in response to a         trigger occurring during play of the main game;     -   a purchasing means operable to allow the player to purchase a         modifier using an instrument of value after the feature game has         been triggered; and     -   modifier means for modifying at least one default parameter of         the feature game associated with the purchased modifier prior to         play of the feature game, the modification having the effect of         improving a prize award potential for the feature game.

In an embodiment the modified at least one default parameter increases a theoretical return to player percentage of the game. Alternatively, the modified at least one default parameter may not increase a theoretical return to player percentage of the game, while still achieving the improved prize award potential for the feature game.

In an embodiment the instrument of value comprises machine credits. Alternatively, or in addition the instrument of value may comprise reward points awarded to the player. The reward points may, for example, be accumulated through gameplay or otherwise awarded to the player (e.g. through a loyalty promotion).

In an embodiment a plurality of modifiers are purchasable by the player, at least one of the plurality of modifiers being operable to modify one or more different default parameters to another of the modifiers.

In an embodiment a point or credit value for each purchasable modifier is dependent on an amount by which the theoretical return to player percentage is improved.

In an embodiment the feature game is one of a series of free games or reel re-spins.

In an embodiment the purchasable modifiers are operable to modify a number of free games or reel re-spins. The purchasable modifiers may also are alternatively by operable to modify a pay structure for the feature game, a number of paylines played in the feature game, a number of special symbols capable of being selected in the feature game, a number of reels playable on the feature game, or a combination thereof.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a gaming apparatus including:

-   -   a display module for displaying play of a main game in which a         feature game is capable of being triggered;     -   trigger means for triggering the feature game in response to a         trigger occurring during play of the main game; and     -   modifier means for allowing a player to exchange a default         gameplay characteristic of the feature game for a different         gameplay characteristic prior to play thereof, the exchange         affecting a prize award potential for the feature game.

In an embodiment the apparatus further comprises a purchasing module operable to allow the player to purchase the different gameplay characteristic where the different gameplay characteristic has the effect of improving the theoretical return to player percentage for the feature game.

In an embodiment the player is able to purchase the different gameplay characteristic using at least one of points and machine credits.

In accordance with a third aspect there is provided a gaming apparatus including:

-   -   display module for displaying play of a main game in which a         feature game is capable of being triggered;     -   trigger means for triggering the feature game in response to a         trigger occurring during play of the main game; and     -   modifier means for allowing a player to forfeit a gameplay         characteristic of the feature game in exchange for reward points         or machine credits prior to play of the feature game.

In an embodiment the gameplay characteristic comprises a number of free games, a number of reel re-spins, or a combination of the two. The gameplay characteristic may alternatively or additionally be selected from the group comprising, a win multiplier, a number of paylines played in the feature game, a number of special symbols capable of being selected in the feature game and a number of reels playable on the feature game.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of gaming comprising:

-   -   displaying play of a main game in which a feature game is         capable of being triggered;     -   triggering the feature game in response to a trigger occurring         during play of the main game; and     -   allowing a player to purchase a modifier operable to modify at         least one default parameter of the feature game after the         feature game has been triggered and prior to play thereof, the         modification having the effect of improving a prize award         potential for the feature game.

In an embodiment the modification of the at least one default play parameter improves a theoretical return to player percentage of the game. Alternatively, the modification of the at least one default play parameter may not improve a theoretical return to player percentage of the game while still allowing for an improved prize award potential for the feature game.

In an embodiment a plurality of modifiers are purchasable by the player, at least one of the plurality of modifiers being operable to modify one or more different default play parameters to another of the modifiers.

In an embodiment a purchase value for each purchasable modifier is dependent on an amount by which the prize award potential is improved.

In an embodiment the feature game is one of a series of free games or reel re-spins.

In an embodiment the purchasable modifiers are operable to modify a number of free games, a number of reel re-spins, or a combination of the two.

In an embodiment the purchasable modifiers are operable to modify one or more default parameters selected from the following: a number of paylines played in the feature game; a number of reels playable on the feature game.

In an embodiment the purchasable modifiers are operable to modify a number of special symbols capable of being selected in the feature game.

In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of gaming comprising:

-   -   displaying play of a main game in which a feature game is         capable of being triggered;     -   triggering the feature game in response to a trigger occurring         during play of the main game; and     -   allowing a player to exchange at least one default play         characteristic of the feature game for a different play         characteristic after the feature game has been triggered and         prior to play thereof, the exchange effecting a prize award         potential for the feature game.

In an embodiment the method further comprises allowing the player to purchase the different play characteristic where the exchange has the effect of improving the return to player percentage for the game.

In accordance with a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of gaming comprising:

-   -   displaying play of a main game in which a feature game is         capable of being triggered;     -   triggering the feature game in response to a trigger occurring         during play of the main game; and     -   allowing a player to forfeit a default play characteristic of         the feature game after the feature game has been triggered and         prior to play thereof in exchange for machine credits or reward         points.

In an embodiment the gameplay characteristic comprises a number of free games, a number of reel re-spins, or a combination of the two.

In an embodiment the gameplay characteristic is selected from the group comprising, a win multiplier, a number of paylines played in the feature game, a number of special symbols capable of being selected in the feature game and a number of reels playable on the feature game.

In accordance with a seventh aspect of the present invention there is provided a gaming system including:

-   -   at least one game device implementing a display; and     -   a game controller comprising a:     -   display controller operable to cause one or more of the game         devices to display a main game in which a feature game is         capable of being triggered;     -   trigger means for triggering the feature game for the respective         game device in response to a trigger occurring during play of         the main game;     -   a purchasing means operable to allow the respective players to         purchase a modifier using an instrument of value after the         feature game has been triggered; and     -   modifier means for modifying at least one default parameter of         the feature game associated with the purchased modifier prior to         play thereof, the modification having the effect of improving a         prize award potential for the feature game.

In accordance with an eighth aspect of the present invention there is provided gaming software comprising at least one instruction which, when implemented by a processor, is arranged to carry out the method steps of any of the fourth through sixth aspects.

In accordance with a further aspect there is provided a computer software product including a storage medium on which is stored gaming software according to the eighth aspect.

In accordance with a still further aspect there is provided gaming software including: a component for displaying play of a main game in which a feature game is capable of being triggered; a component for triggering the feature game in response to a trigger occurring during play of the main game; and a component for allowing a player to purchase a modifier operable to modify at least one default parameter of the feature game after the feature game has been triggered and prior to play thereof, the modification having the effect of improving a prize award potential for the feature game.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that the particularity of the drawings does not supersede the generality of the preceding description of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of gaming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a screen shot of a gaming machine's display, showing event point accumulation and game event selection features according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a control process in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of further apparatus for implementing an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of further apparatus for implementing an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a control process in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a control process in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1 there is shown a gaming apparatus, which in this case takes the form of an electronic gaming machine (EGM) 1 and which includes various components, such as a game controller 2 for controlling the operation of the EGM 1 and the games run on it, memory 3 for storing programs and data used by the controller 2, a credit input 4 for receiving monies, e.g. coins, tokens and/or electronic credits, e.g. stored on a data storage card, a win output 5 for paying out winnings, e.g. as coins, tokens or electronic money, e.g. by updating a card, a display 6 for displaying game screens, and user inputs 7 for allowing user interactions. The user inputs 7 may include buttons 8, which may be provided as part of a touchscreen of the display 6 or may be separate physical buttons. Additional hardware may be included as part of the EGM 1, or hardware may be omitted as required by the specific implementation

In one form the EGM 1 may be a stand-alone machine. In another form the EGM may be networked with other EGMs and/or a control centre 9 via a suitable communications network 10, such as a LAN and/or WAN. This may for example allow for the play of networked (e.g. intranet or Internet) games, such as a linked jackpot. It will be appreciated that the EGM 1 may include an appropriate communications interface, such as a network card, for communicating over the communications network 10.

In use, the EGM 1 displays an initial gaming screen on the display 6. A player inserts bank notes, coins and/or tokens into the credit input 4 (or may be credited with coins, credits or tokens), and presses a button 8 to initiate play. How matters then proceed will depend on the type of game being played. For example, in a slot machine-type game, the EGM 1 will display virtual reels of symbols, and will spin and stop these reels in various win and lose symbol combinations on a pay line in accordance with stored gaming algorithms and random number generators. In an alternative embodiment (not illustrated) the main game is a poker-type game, in which a player will receive a number of cards with which to play for a winning hand. It will be appreciated that other types of main games may be provided, such as keno, blackjack, bingo, roulette, pachinko, or the like. For the purposes of this detailed description, the main focus shall be upon an embodiment providing a slot machine-type main game. As used in this document, including in the claims, the terms “random”, “randomly”, “randomized”, and the like, are to be construed as connoting either a purely random process or a “pseudo-random” process. An example of a pseudo-random process includes the determination by a computer processor of a pseudo-random number in response to an output of a digital clock.

The player may interact via the display 6 and user inputs 7, so as to spin or hold reels, or to obtain and throw away cards and the like. A player may have an electronic device 11, e.g. in the form of a card, that allows them to play the machine 1. The game card 11 may be an identity card that stores the player's identity, e.g. on a magnetic strip 12 or chip 13, and the player may use the card to access an account held on a central control 9 that the EGM 1 communicates with through the network 10. The player can then pay for bets and receive winnings at the central control 9. Alternatively, the card 11 may itself store credits for betting and win amounts, e.g. in the chip 13. In this case, an appropriate card terminal may be provided to top-up the card by buying credits and to cash in recorded wins for actual prizes or money. Whatever game is played, a common element will be win events, e.g. the pay out of a prize when a particular symbol or card combination occurs.

Also, in order to increase interest, a game will often include bonus or feature events that may or may not relate directly to the game being played, and that generally provide an advantage of some sort. These bonus or feature events may include for example one or more free games, a respin (similar to a free game but with one or more reels held on a slot device), or the chance to play for higher returns, e.g. higher payouts, better odds or the like. The bonus feature may relate to a wild feature, such as a wild reel symbol or card that can represent more than one type of symbol or card, and so can increase the chances of achieving a winning combination or the like. The bonus features may be provided in the main game or as “second screen” features that display on a new screen. Bonus features are generally luck-based, but could be skills-based. They could for example allow a player to purchase an extra wild card in a draw poker skill game.

These win and feature events can be arranged to occur due to the usual operation of the main game randomly or under a particular set of circumstances, e.g. when a predefined symbol combination occurs after a spin of the reels, or a predefined card combination occurs in a card game. They may also occur due to an accumulation of circumstances across a number of games, and may occur due to the condition of a device supplemental to the EGM 1 itself, e.g. they may relate to jackpot wins in linked jackpot systems comprising a plurality of EGMs under a central control.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the controller 2 awards a player event points during the course of playing the machine 1, and allows a player to select one or more game events using the event points that they accumulate. Thus, the EGM 1 includes an award means for awarding a player event points, an accumulator means for storing the event points awarded, e.g. in the memory 3, and a purchasing/selection means for allowing a user to select and purchase a game event using the accumulated event points. These means may be provided through the EGM controller 2 and memory 3 and/or through the central control 9. It will be understood that the various means provided by the controller may be implemented in hardware, software or a combination of the two.

The EGM 1 may display the number of accumulated points in a box 14 on the display 6, and may include a button or buttons 8 that allow the player to select a game event or to be taken to a screen that allows for the selection of a game event using the event points.

The game event may be any event of value or interest to a player, e.g. any type of bonus, feature or prize event, e.g. of the types discussed above. It may for example be the occurrence of a valuable symbol, such as a wild symbol or card, or may relate to the changing of a game's parameters to provide a higher return, e.g. through better odds or through an increase in amounts won. It could also be a free game, respin or the actuation of a feature game that provides one or more of these advantages. It may provide the chance to play for a jackpot, e.g. a jackpot spin. It may provide a mystery win or a random game event, so that the player may gamble on receiving a more valuable game event than they can purchase directly. A prize event may be e.g. the winning of a fixed or variable prize.

Once a player has purchased a game event, it may last for only a single play or may remain for a number of game plays, the latter situation requiring more event points than the former.

A user may purchase more than one game event at the same time, assuming that they have sufficient funds to do so, and these game events may run concurrently. Where game events are run concurrently, the user may have to pay more event points for the combination than for the two individual events, as the concurrent events may generate a higher rate of return than a pair of single events.

The ability to purchase game events using accumulated event points provides for greater interest in the game and for more involved gameplay, in which the player is given greater control of their play. They may choose the timing of game events and the type of game events to play. With the game events, a player may obtain an advantage in their play, and so may receive higher returns on their bets.

A player may be awarded event points based on their gameplay. For example, the controller 2 may provide gameplay monitoring means to monitor the bets laid by a player. It may then award event points based on the amount bet or on the number or type of bets laid, or on the number of games or pay lines played and the like. It may also award points based on the outcome of a game, e.g. an award of event points may be triggered when a particular combination of symbols occurs on the display 6.

Event points could also be allocated randomly, e.g. awards could be made at random times, a decision on whether or not to award points could be made randomly, and/or the amount of an award could be random.

Event points could also be lost, e.g. through the triggering of a loss event by the wheels. Further, event points could be bought by a player, although there may be some limit as to the number of points that can be purchased, e.g. a percentage of the accumulated points.

Event points may be awarded by a management, loyalty, membership or other system. For example, event points may be awarded through the central control 9 to club members as a joining bonus or in some other manner.

In a linked game, it may be possible for a player to lose event points to another player, so that e.g. if one player triggers a specific event, they may receive event points from other players.

Although the event points feature may be automatically provided by the gaming machine 1, it would also be possible to require a user to pay money for the ability to accumulate points or to win this ability. For example, a player may be required to place a fixed or variable side bet in order to accumulate points.

When a player finishes a play session, the EGM 1 may allow the player to cash in their accumulated event points, e.g. for cash or play credits. The EGM 1 may also allow a player to store their event points for a later play session. The event points may for example be recorded in storage means in the EGM 1 or in the central control 9, or may be stored in a player's game card 11.

The apparatus may include means for fixing or limiting the play parameters of the basic game, so as to ensure that the game is mathematically viable and consistent with the event purchasing feature. For example, in order to have certain options available for selection, the apparatus 1 may set a fixed betting structure, such as a fixed $1 bet per play of a game.

FIG. 2 is a screen shot of the display 6 showing one way of implementing the game point accumulation and game event selection. The screen shot shows a number of virtual gaming reels 20 that are spun to provide symbol combinations in accordance with the rules of the gaming algorithms run by the controller 2 and its random number generators. It also shows touchscreen buttons 21 that allow a user to place a bet, to choose the number of pay lines to play (numbered along the left and right sides of the reels 20), and to set the reels 20 spinning. It further shows indicator boxes 22 for indicating a player's remaining credits, the bets laid and a player's accumulated winnings.

In the top right-hand corner of the display 6, the screen further includes an accumulator display 23 that indicates the number of event points that a player has accumulated. Also, along the top of the reels 20, the display 6 includes a plurality of game event selection buttons 24 that allow a user to purchase one or more game events for the displayed number of event points associated with each button.

In the example shown, the game events and associated event point costs are:

Buy a Credit One Point Triple Wins Next Game 20 Points Double Wins for 5 Games 35 Points Improve Reel Strips 50 Points Buy Free Game Feature 100 Points Buy Jackpot Spins 200 Points

These game events are self-explanatory in the main. The improvement of reel strips increases the average Return to Player on a given game (e.g. from 90% to 150%) by changing the reel parameters, e.g. the odds of specific symbol combinations occurring. The free game feature could in this instance buy a predetermined (disclosed in the game rules or undisclosed) or random free game feature (e.g. the award of ten free games, with or without prize multiplication). The jackpot spins could allow a player to spin for the possibility of winning a jackpot. This could be a fixed or progressive jackpot and could be a linked jackpot if the EGM 1 is linked with other machines.

Other types of game event could also be purchased, e.g. a mystery event or random event, extra wild symbols or the like.

There may also be a “cash-out” button that provides a cash payout for the accumulated points, should a player wish to end their play session. Alternatively or also, the player's points could be stored for a later play session, e.g. on a central control 9 with which the EGM 1 connects or on a player's game card, e.g. card 11 as shown in FIG. 1.

A player may be limited to only purchasing one game event at a time, or could have multiple game events running concurrently. In the latter case, the display may indicate that a further amount of event points are needed as a premium payment, in view of the higher returns possible through the combination.

The player may be allowed to purchase the game event(s) utilising the accumulated points at any time during game play (e.g. at the start/end of a play of a game, during play of game, or in response to some particular event being triggered). In one particular embodiment the game events purchasable by the player may be selectively displayed dependent on when the player opts to use the accumulated points. For example, if the player selects the purchasing means at the beginning of a main game, the purchasable events displayed to the player may relate only to events applicable to modify/enhance play of the main game. Alternatively, where the player selects the purchasing means responsive to a feature being triggered the player may be presented with a different selection of purchasable events relating to feature play.

The accumulation and game event purchasing features may appear on the screen automatically and always be played, or may only be played if a player elects to have the ability to purchase game events, e.g. by paying a suitable number of credits.

Instead of the selection buttons 24, the display 6 could show a single button for purchasing event points, which could then take the player to a selection screen, where events may be selected and required event points totaled.

The apparatus may select and display only those game events for which the player have sufficient event points to purchase, or could show various possible game events that may be purchased, irrespective of a player's current accumulated events points total.

FIG. 3 shows one possible flowchart for the running of a game event purchasing feature by the controller 2. Thus, an embodiment of the invention may be put into effect by the controller 2 running software that incorporates a subroutine executing in the manner shown.

At step S1, the controller 2 monitors gameplay to determine user interaction and game results. At step S2, the controller 2 awards points to a player based on the monitored gameplay and updates an accumulator, e.g. in the memory 3, with the new points. This may then be displayed in the accumulator box 22 on the display 6.

At step S3, the controller 2 checks for a user purchase, e.g. through the selection of one of the buttons 24 on the screen of FIG. 2. If a user is found to have sufficient points for the selection at step S4, the points are deducted from the accumulator at step S5, and the game feature or features purchased are implemented at step S6. If the player has selected a game event or events for which the player does not have sufficient points, the process branches at step S4 to an error routine at step S7 in which e.g. the user is asked to choose again or possibly asked to purchase the necessary top-up using play credits.

The above is of course only one possible routine and other steps and routines may be utilised as well.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of further apparatus for carrying out an embodiment of the present invention, in which there is a central control/server 40 that communicates with a number of remote player terminals/client programs 41, e.g. computing devices, through a suitable communications medium 42. The computing devices 41 could for example be personal computers, PDAs, mobile phones, digital televisions, or the like, and the communications medium 42 could be for example the Internet, an intranet, a telephone or television communications system, e.g. satellite or cable, or any other suitable communications network.

In this embodiment, the running of a game and the determining of bet outcomes and the like, including the accumulation of event points and the purchasing of game events, can occur on the central control 40, whilst user inputs and the display of games screens and the like occur on the player terminals 41. The terminals 41 may receive program code or other data from the central control 40 in order to provide an appropriate user interface.

FIG. 5 shows further apparatus that could implement an embodiment of the present invention, in which an electronic gaming machine 50 includes a mechanical part 51 and an associated electronic control and display 52. The mechanical part 51 includes a set of mechanical reels 53 and player buttons 54, with the reels 53 being spun and stopped to provide prizes and features based on the resulting reel symbols. The electronic control 52 may display the results of the reels 53, e.g. as screen reels 55, and may also oversee any feature functions and the like associated with the game, such as a series betting feature, through further display area 56.

Various modifications may be made to the embodiments described above. For example, as said, instead of the selection buttons 24 of FIG. 2, there could be a single selection button that takes the player to a separate screen where they may then choose a gaming feature or features from a list of features.

Also, a button may be provided to allow a player to purchase event points using game credits. This ability may be capped to a suitable number of points or to a percentage of the non-purchased points.

Points could also be lost, e.g. should a particular set of symbols appear on the reels.

The game event purchasing and points accumulation may also be applied to many other games, besides reels. For example, it could be applied to poker, keno, bingo, blackjack, roulette, pachinko, Sic Bo and to many other games, including many types of casino games.

An alternative embodiment of the present invention which is particularly suited for use with a video slot device providing a feature event (e.g. a series of free games or reel re-spins which are triggered during play of a main game), will now be described. According to this alternative embodiment, players can improve a prize award potential of the feature event by modifying one or more default parameters thereof after it has been triggered and prior to play thereof. In a particular embodiment the player has the option of purchasing game modifiers 30 which are used to modify particular default parameters, as will be described in detail in subsequent paragraphs. The modifiers 30 may be purchased using an instrument of value in the form of reward points (either event points accumulated through game play as afore-described, or points otherwise awarded to the player, such as through a loyalty promotion, etc.), machine credits or a combination of the two.

As mentioned above, the feature game has a known prize award potential which can be improved by the player post triggering of the feature game. The prize award potential can be calculated by those skilled in the art based on the game parameters (either the default play parameters or the play parameters as selected/modified by the player), such as the amounts of awardable prizes and the associated probabilities, the number of feature games provided in the feature event, the multiplier applied to the winnings, inclusion of special high value winning combinations, introduction of prizes such as jackpots, introductions of bonus symbols and prizes, conversion of specific symbols having particular properties, etc. In some embodiments the prize award potential is the theoretical return to player percentage for the game (i.e. as provided by both the main game and feature game), however other metrics may be utilised in other embodiments.

In order to implement such functionality the EGM 1 includes a trigger means 32 for triggering the feature event and a modifier means 34 for modifying the default play parameter(s). The various means 32, 34 may again be provided through the EGM controller 2 and memory 3, and/or through the central control 9. It will be appreciated that some or all of the means implemented by the controller 2 for the afore-described embodiments (such as the award means, purchasing means, accumulator means, etc.) may also be provided depending on the desired implementation.

An example of this alternative embodiment will now be given with reference to the flow diagram of FIG. 6. The particular example will be described in the context of a reel game having a randomly triggered feature game including a series of free games or reel re-spins. It will be understood, however, that embodiments are not limited to such feature games and equally can be triggered using any suitable triggering technique as is well understood in the art.

At step S1, the trigger means 32 triggers the feature game. The player is subsequently asked whether they wish to purchase a modifier operable to modify one or more default parameters of the feature game using points, machine credits, or a combination of the two (steps S2 and S3). For example, the player may be presented (via the EGM display 6) with the option to purchase one or more of the following modifier options:

-   -   Add 5 extra free games     -   Triple all wins     -   Add a wild reel (i.e. a reel composed entirely of wild symbols)     -   Add a wild symbol to the selectable symbol set     -   Add a bonus prize for each scatter symbol appearing on a played         payline     -   Add Win-Win feature (i.e. as described in the granted Australian         patent no. 2011201126 to the same applicant, the contents of         which are incorporated herein by reference)     -   Add Win-Win feature with a 10× multiplier for the awarded prizes     -   Change to 100 pay lines     -   Triple 5 of a kind prizes     -   Add 50 extra free games upon a re-trigger event occurring

As will be evident, each of the above options has the effect of improving the prize award potential for the feature game (in this case calculated in relation to the theoretical return to player percentage of the game). The purchasable modifiers may have different effects on the theoretical return to player percentage (i.e. such that some improve it by a greater amount than others). Accordingly, the value of each modifier may correspond to the improvement made to the theoretical return to player percentage of the game. It will be understood that any suitable parameters of the feature game may be modifiable by the player and should not be seen as being limited to those listed in this particular example.

If, at step S3, the player opts to purchase one or more of the modifiers the modifier means 34 makes the appropriate adjustments to the play parameters of the feature game (step S4) and the controller 2 initiates play of the feature game with the modified parameters at step S5. Where multiple modifiers are purchased by the player, the value for each subsequently selected modifier may be dynamically calculated based on the resultant affect that additional modifier may have on the theoretical return to player percentage. If, on the other hand, the player elects not to purchase any of the modifiers, then the process flow proceeds directly to step S5 whereby the feature game is played with the default parameters.

A slightly different embodiment to that described with reference to FIG. 6 involves exchanging certain default play characteristics of the feature game for other characteristics, post triggering. An example process flow for this embodiment is shown in FIG. 7. Step S1 is the same as for FIG. 6. The player is subsequently asked whether they wish to select one or more modifiers which are operable to exchange or modify one or more default game play characteristics in favor of one or more other characteristics. Where the modified/exchanged characteristics have the effect of improving the theoretical return to player percentage the player may be required to purchase the associated modifier(s) using accumulated points, machine credits or a combination of the two (steps S2 and S3).

For example, the player may be presented (via the EGM display 6) with the option to purchase one or more of the following exchange/modification options:

-   -   Remove 2 of a kind prizes but triple all remaining prizes     -   Take 5 less free games, but wins are multiplied by 10     -   Take 5 less free games, but one reel will be a wild reel (i.e. a         reel composed entirely of wild symbols)     -   Take 5 less free games, but (n) symbols will be changed to         additional wilds     -   Take 2 less free games, but add 20 free games upon a re-trigger         condition.

Again it will be appreciated that the particular characteristics and values that may be exchanged or modified by the player should not be seen as being limited to those above and could be any suitable characteristics relating to play of the feature game. The play parameters are subsequently exchanged at step S4 and at step S5 the feature game is played. Again, the player may choose not to exchange any characteristics at step S3 and if so play proceeds directly to step S5.

In another embodiment, once the feature has been triggered the player may be provided with the option of forfeiting certain default characteristics of the feature game in exchange for credits or points (which, as will be appreciated, may have a value which is related to the effect that those parameters/characteristics have on the prize award potential). For example, in exchange for reducing the number of free games to be played in the feature game by 5 games the player may be awarded 100 machine credits.

As can be seen, the gaming apparatus may take many different forms, including an EGM and/or computing network. It could for example comprise a game provided on a computing or other electronic device, such as on a personal computer, PDA, mobile phone, digital television or the like. The game may be provided over an intranet, the Internet, or some other communications system, such as a mobile telephone system.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

It is to be understood that various alterations, additions and/or modifications may be made to the parts previously described without departing from the ambit of the present invention, and that, in the light of the above teachings, the present invention may be implemented in mechanical elements, in software, in firmware and/or in hardware in a variety of manners as would be understood by the skilled person. 

1. A gaming apparatus including: a display module for displaying play of a main game in which a feature game is capable of being triggered; a trigger means for triggering the feature game in response to a trigger occurring during play of the main game; a purchasing means operable to allow the player to purchase a modifier using an instrument of value after the feature game has been triggered; and modifier means for modifying at least one default parameter of the feature game associated with the purchased modifier prior to play of the feature game, the modification having the effect of improving a prize award potential for the feature game.
 2. A gaming apparatus according to claim 1, whereby the modified at least one default parameter increases a theoretical return to player percentage of the game.
 3. A gaming apparatus according to claim 1, whereby the modified at least one default parameter does not increase a theoretical return to player percentage of the game.
 4. A gaming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the instrument of value comprises machine credits.
 5. A gaming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the instrument of value comprises reward points awarded to the player.
 6. A gaming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a plurality of modifiers are purchasable by the player, at least one of the plurality of modifiers being operable to modify one or more different default parameters to another of the modifiers.
 7. A gaming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein a point or credit value for each purchasable modifier is dependent on an amount by which the theoretical return to player percentage is improved.
 8. A gaming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the feature game is one of a series of free games or reel re-spins.
 9. A gaming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the purchasable modifiers are operable to modify a number of free games or reel re-spins.
 10. A gaming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the purchasable modifiers are operable to modify a pay structure for the feature game.
 11. A gaming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the purchasable modifiers are operable to modify a number of paylines played in the feature game, a number of reels playable on the feature game, or a combination of the two.
 12. A gaming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the purchasable modifiers are operable to modify a number of special symbols capable of being selected in the feature game.
 13. A gaming apparatus including: a display module for displaying play of a main game in which a feature game is capable of being triggered; trigger means for triggering the feature game in response to a trigger occurring during play of the main game; and modifier means for allowing a player to exchange a default gameplay characteristic of the feature game for a different gameplay characteristic prior to play thereof, the exchange affecting a prize award potential for the feature game.
 14. A gaming apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising a purchasing module operable to allow the player to purchase the different gameplay characteristic where the different gameplay characteristic has the effect of improving the theoretical return to player percentage for the feature game.
 15. A gaming apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the player is able to purchase the different gameplay characteristic using at least one of points and machine credits.
 16. A gaming apparatus including: display module for displaying play of a main game in which a feature game is capable of being triggered; trigger means for triggering the feature game in response to a trigger occurring during play of the main game; and modifier means for allowing a player to forfeit a gameplay characteristic of the feature game in exchange for reward points or machine credits prior to play of the feature game.
 17. A gaming apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the gameplay characteristic comprises a number of free games, a number of reel re-spins, or a combination of the two.
 18. A gaming apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the gameplay characteristic is selected from the group comprising, a win multiplier, a number of paylines played in the feature game, a number of special symbols capable of being selected in the feature game and a number of reels playable on the feature game.
 19. A method of gaming comprising: displaying play of a main game in which a feature game is capable of being triggered; triggering the feature game in response to a trigger occurring during play of the main game; and allowing a player to purchase a modifier operable to modify at least one default parameter of the feature game after the feature game has been triggered and prior to play thereof, the modification having the effect of improving a prize award potential for the feature game.
 20. A method according to claim 19, wherein the modification of the at least one default play parameter improves a theoretical return to player percentage of the game.
 21. A method according to claim 19, wherein the modification of the at least one default play parameter does not improve a theoretical return to player percentage of the game.
 22. A method according to claim 19, wherein a plurality of modifiers are purchasable by the player, at least one of the plurality of modifiers being operable to modify one or more different default play parameters to another of the modifiers.
 23. A method according to claim 22, wherein a purchase value for each purchasable modifier is dependent on an amount by which the prize award potential is improved.
 24. A method according to claim 19, wherein the feature game is one of a series of free games or reel re-spins.
 25. A method according to claim 24, wherein the purchasable modifiers are operable to modify a number of free games, a number of reel re-spins, or a combination of the two.
 26. A method according to claim 24, wherein the purchasable modifiers are operable to modify one or more default parameters selected from the following: a number of paylines played in the feature game; a number of reels playable on the feature game.
 27. A method according to claim 24, wherein the purchasable modifiers are operable to modify a number of special symbols capable of being selected in the feature game.
 28. A method of gaming comprising: displaying play of a main game in which a feature game is capable of being triggered; triggering the feature game in response to a trigger occurring during play of the main game; and allowing a player to exchange at least one default play characteristic of the feature game for a different play characteristic after the feature game has been triggered and prior to play thereof, the exchange effecting a prize award potential for the feature game.
 29. A method according to claim 28, further comprising allowing the player to purchase the different play characteristic where the exchange has the effect of improving the return to player percentage for the game.
 30. A method of gaming comprising: displaying play of a main game in which a feature game is capable of being triggered; triggering the feature game in response to a trigger occurring during play of the main game; and allowing a player to forfeit a default play characteristic of the feature game after the feature game has been triggered and prior to play thereof in exchange for machine credits or reward points.
 31. A method according to claim 28, wherein the gameplay characteristic comprises a number of free games, a number of reel re-spins, or a combination of the two.
 32. A method according to claim 31, wherein the gameplay characteristic is selected from the group comprising, a win multiplier, a number of paylines played in the feature game, a number of special symbols capable of being selected in the feature game and a number of reels playable on the feature game.
 33. A gaming system including: at least one game device implementing a display; and a game controller comprising a: display controller operable to cause one or more of the game devices to display a main game in which a feature game is capable of being triggered; trigger means for triggering the feature game for the respective game device in response to a trigger occurring during play of the main game; a purchasing means operable to allow the respective players to purchase a modifier using an instrument of value after the feature game has been triggered; and modifier means for modifying at least one default parameter of the feature game associated with the purchased modifier prior to play thereof, the modification having the effect of improving a prize award potential for the feature game. 